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October 27, 2009

Popular Mechanics, November 2009

Using a centrifuge, NASA-supported researchers at UTMB spun eight volunteers for 60 minutes a day while another group of volunteers spent three weeks in bed to simulate the effects of zero gravity on protein synthesis. The spinners maintained normal rates of protein synthesis while rates for the decliners dropped by almost half. While the researchers are focused on space flight, what they've learned could benefit hospitalized elderly patients. (Link unavailable.)